Lance Bass' gay lover Reichen Lehmkuhl is glad Isaiah Washington's homophobic outburst has turned the public against the actor - because it will hopefully prompt people to think twice before using the 'f' word.

The former model has written a new book about his nightmare experiences as a homosexual in the military, and he believes the Washington controversy will further help people understand what gay men have to put up with.

Lehmkuhl says, "It (Washington's controversy) dumps a lot of emotion on me. I think it brings the issue to light. A lot of people learn, when you use this word now, it's not OK."

Washington has officially apologized for his use of the 'f' word at the Golden Globe Awards last week, admitting, in a statement released last week, he needs help. The controversy first came to light last October when Washington referred to gay Grey's Anatomy castmate T.R. Knight as a "faggot" in a heated on-set row with co-star Patrick Dempsey.

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)